Entry requirements

a three-year Bachelor degree or equivalent from a recognised higher education institution with a minimum GPA of 4.0, noting that entry is competitive and based on academic merit; and

a major and preferably a minor in the Learning Area in which they intend to specialise, aligning with the Australian Curriculum (Majors consist of a minimum of 6 courses/27 units or equivalent with a minimum of 2 courses at Australian 3rd year undergraduate level or equivalent. Minors consist of a minimum of 4 courses/18 units or equivalent with a minimum of 2 courses at Australian 2nd year undergraduate level or equivalent).

Critical information regarding Learning Area entry requirements can be found here.

-----Additional entry requirements-----
In accordance with national teacher education program standards,
applicants must also fulfil non-academic entry requirements. All
applicants will be required to submit a 400-word Education Statement
with their SATAC application, about their motivation to teach,
addressing the topic, ‘Why I want to be a teacher and my understanding
of the role’. The Education Statement should include a list of relevant
community service, volunteer or professional experiences and significant
awards. Complete information on content, format and submission is
available here.

Applicants are advised that a successful criminal history screening clearance is required for all students prior to their undertaking any professional experience/practicum placement that involves contact with minors (under 18 years of age). Information on the procedure to be followed for obtaining clearance will be provided with the letter of offer or may be viewed at the School of Education criminal history screening web page. These placements form a compulsory part of the program. A successful clearance may also be required for other courses, eg to enter any school, pre-school or childcare centre for any reason, including on placement, observation or visits, unless the students are already registered teachers.

English language entry requirements

In addition, international students who speak English as a foreign language must have obtained the following standard within the last two years prior to admission. Possession of one or more of these qualifications, in addition to the academic entry requirements, does not, in itself, guarantee a place at the University of South Australia. Applications are considered on an individual basis and selection is competitive. Where previous study/work experience was conducted in English, the application must be accompanied by certified documentation from the educational institution/employer certifying that the language of instruction/employment was English.

Snapshot

This industry-relevant postgraduate qualification is for students who have already completed a three-year bachelor degree and would like to increase their employment prospects with a teaching qualification specialising in secondary education. The curriculum is solely focused on the education of children from Year Eight to Year 12.

Practical learning is a major component and you will complete 60 days of professional experience placements, starting in the first year.

If you wish to accelerate your studies you can complete this degree in 18 months. In order to do so, your year will have three study periods (rather than the usual two).

What you'll need

DCSI clearance

Students will be required to undertake a criminal history screening through the Department of Communities and Social Inclusion (DCSI). The clearance will be valid for three years. The criminal history screening must be completed prior to being accepted for a placement and can take up to six to eight weeks to be processed. Strict confidentiality is maintained during the DCSI clearance process. If a student fails to obtain clearance for any reason, the University cannot accept responsibility for obtaining a professional experience placement or any other professional experience activity, which is a compulsory part of the degree and they cannot graduate with an education degree from the University.

Mandatory child-safe environments training

All education students who are completing any in-school or site (i.e. preschools and childcare settings) observations, activities or professional experience placements must undertake mandatory training in Responding to Abuse and Neglect prior to the commencement of the activities or placements. In South Australia, child protection legislation and policy require all organisations to establish and promote child safe environments. Mandatory reporting of child abuse and neglect training is required of all individuals working with children and young people. All undergraduate students undertaking professional experience placements in South Australian government and non-government schools and preschools must provide documented evidence (i.e. a certificate) that shows they have completed all the required training from one of the providers mentioned on the following website.

Literacy and Numeracy Test

All students must meet the required standard in the national Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education (LANTITE) prior to graduation. Students will undertake the national literacy and numeracy tests during the first year of the degree. Students will be required to meet the standard of each test as a prerequisite for their final Professional Experience Placement course. The University will provide a range of supports for students who do not achieve the required standard in either the literacy or numeracy or both tests. Students will be allowed three attempts at each test. Any student who fails to meet the standard on three occasions in either the literacy or numeracy test will usually be counselled to transfer to an alternative degree.

Why Master of Teaching (Secondary)

We are South Australia’s largest tertiary school of education. Practical learning is a major focus and you will gain industry experience starting in your first semester.

You will also be invited to participate in a range of internships working at schools associated with the Gifted and Talented Program, National Exceptional Teaching for Disadvantaged Schools (NETDS), and Celebrating Cultural Diversity. There will be the opportunity for you to work with vulnerable students who are affected by trauma, abuse and neglect as part of the Smart Schools program. As Australia’s university of enterprise:

we are No. 1 in South Australia for student satisfaction1

we are the largest university in South Australia with more than 31,000 students

we hold 26th spot in the QS World University Rankings for institutions under 50 years old in 20172

Our commitment to research with an industry focus is unprecedented in South Australia. In the 2015 nationwide Excellence in Research for Australia evaluation, 97 per cent of our assessed research was rated world-class or above. It’s a very good time to choose UniSA for your postgraduate study.

Real-world connections

Workplace learning is a major focus and throughout your studies you will complete 60 days of field-based placements. This practical experience will equip you with the skills and confidence needed after graduation and will also help to build industry networks and relationships. We also host regular University-wide employee master classes and employment expos, and alumni events in Australia and overseas.

Australia’s University of Enterprise

Study at South Australia’s No. 1 university for graduate careers* and unlock your full potential.

Your career

Teachers have a passion for learning and a dedication to the social, emotional, academic, physical and psychological development of students. Well-developed interpersonal skills, patience, as well as impeccable organisational and communication skills are key attributes of successful educators.

The demand for teachers is high, and UniSA education degrees are ranked number one in the state for graduate employment1. Graduates are able to gain employment as secondary teachers in schools and related educational fields in metropolitan and regional centres nationally and internationally. Employers include:

Department for Education and Child Development (DECD) in South Australia

Professional accreditation and recognition

Successful completion of this program provides a recognised academic qualification which will enable graduates to apply for teacher registration in South Australia, interstate and some overseas countries. Applicants should note there are other criteria determining eligibility for registration by the Teachers Registration Board of South Australia and other registration and regulatory authorities. Applicants are advised to check registration requirements as they are subject to change.

Industry facts

data-presentation

In 2016 there were 3,798,226 students enrolled in schools across Australia, representing an increase of 47,253 on 2015 figures1.

1Proportion of Students, by Affiliation, States and territories, 2016-Schools, Australia, 2016 Graph Data

data-presentation

Employment in secondary school teaching in Australia is projected to increase by 10,500 (7.8 per cent) by November 20201.

What you'll learn

This degree has been designed to develop skilled, committed and flexible secondary school educators. The focus is on practical learning and you will gain the skills needed to teach across the core curriculum learning areas in schools from Year Eight to Year 12. There are four major study areas:

curriculum studies

professional experience

education studies

pedagogy

Courses studied will include on-campus lectures and workshops; some courses will also be offered fully online or with online support. Learning will be supplemented with online lectures, learning activities, readings and discussion boards.

During the degree you will participate in 60 days of supervised placements.

Students can also elect to study Australia's only minor specialisation in Islamic pedagogy, which will equip graduates with knowledge and inclusive practice through two courses in Islamic Pedagogy: Principles and Praxis, and Islamic Pedagogy: Quality Teaching and Learning. The Islamic pedagogy minor specialisation aims to promote effective and inclusive learning for teaching secondary students in Islamic schools or schools with Muslim students.

Study hours

For each course you study, you will need to allocate time for various classes such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Plus you will need additional hours to study in your own time to complete assignments, readings and projects and contribute to online discussion forums. So as a general rule, if you are studying full-time you would need to allocate 12 – 26 hours of study when at university and 14 – 28 hours of independent study per week.

Assessment

Your studies will incorporate practical, professionally focused and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary. You can expect them to include:

presentations

projects

essays

critical reviews

research proposal, presentation and report

Global opportunities

Enrich your studies and your life – make overseas study part of your qualification. Australian and international students may have the option to do an exchange, short-term program or study tour overseas. We have links with universities worldwide. You can choose short-term or semester-long study from a range of universities and countries depending on your area of study and cultural interests.

Rules

1. Students are required to take the two Reflexive Practice and Professional Experience courses in sequence. Reflexive Practice and Professional Experience days and blocks must be taken on a continuous full-time basis regardless of whether a student is studying in a part-time or full-time mode.

2. Accreditation requirements mandate that pre-service teacher education students in a two year program undertake supervised professional experience of no less than 60 days in a formal education setting. In South Australia this includes preschool settings. Pre-service teacher education students are assessed against the Teachers Registration Board (SA) professional teaching standards and are awarded a non-graded pass (NGP).

3. Students will be required to undertake a criminal history screening through the Department of Communities and Social Inclusion (DCSI), the clearance will be valid for three years. The Criminal History Screening must be completed prior to being accepted for a placement and can take up to six to eight weeks to be processed. Strict confidentiality is maintained during the DCSI clearance process. If a student fails to obtain clearance for any reason, the University cannot accept responsibility for obtaining a professional experience placement or any other professional experience activity that a student may require to complete the course of study. If students cannot undertake a professional experience placement or any other professional experience activity which is a compulsory part of the program, they cannot graduate with an Education Degree from UniSA.

4. Students enrolled in programs in the School of Education and who are completing any in-school or site (ie preschools and childcare settings) observations, activities or professional experience placements, must undertake mandatory training in Responding to Abuse and Neglect prior to the commencement of the activities or placements. In South Australia child protection legislation and policy require all organisations to establish and promote child safe environments. Mandatory reporting of child abuse and neglect training is required of all individuals working with children and young people. All students undertaking professional experience placements in South Australian government and non-government schools and preschools must provide documented evidence (ie a certificate) that shows they have completed all the required training from one of the providers mentioned on the following website. For more information go to http://www.unisa.edu.au/Education-Arts-and-Social-Sciences/school-of-education/Our-Placements/Pre-requisites-and-Requirements/

5. All students commencing from 1 January 2017 will be required to meet the required standard in the national Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education (LANTITE) prior to graduation. Students will undertake the national literacy and numeracy tests during the first year of their program. Students will be required to meet the standard of each Test as a prerequisite for their final Professional Experience Placement course. The University will provide a range of supports for students who do not achieve the required standard in either the literacy or numeracy or both tests. Students will be allowed three attempts at each test. Any student who fails to meet the standard on three occasions in either the literacy or numeracy test will usually be counselled to transfer to an alternative program.

Notes

1. Learning Area courses 1.1, 1.2 and 1.3 must be chosen from the student's major learning area while courses 2.1 and 2.2 are chosen from their minor learning area.

2. The Elective courses will be available on the School of Education web page.

play-video

Hear from Jean as she shares her experiences studying a Master of Teaching at UniSA and her journey as a Bachelor of Arts graduate.

My vision is to work collaboratively to equip graduates with qualities that promote learner achievement and wellbeing, which transfers to productive citizenship.

Scholarships

Every year, over 2,500 UniSA students are supported in their studies through scholarships and grants worth millions of dollars. Check out the scholarships below. One of them may be perfect for you. Visit our scholarship search page for more.

Vice Chancellor's International Excellence Scholarship

Recipients can get a 50% reduction on tuition fees for up to four years of full-time study for selected degrees.

International Merit Scholarship

Your campus

We have six campuses in metropolitan and regional areas, each with advanced facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, laboratories, and areas that simulate real work environments.

Magill

Magill is a quick drive, cycle or bus trip from the city. On campus there are TV, radio and sound studios, social work studios, a cognitive neuroscience laboratory, a psychology clinic, a language lab, a journalism newsroom, a theatre, a gym and a swimming pool. It’s only a short walk to local shops.
Explore Magill >

Mawson Lakes

Nestled in amongst engineering and tech companies in Technology Park, Mawson Lakes has state-of-the-art teaching and research facilities. On-campus there are large open green spaces, cafés, wetlands, interactive learning spaces, the largest strong-floor in Australia, a planetarium and a gym. It is 20 minutes from the city centre, easily accessible by bus, train and car.
Explore Mawson Lakes >

checklist

Eligibility for credit

You could be eligible for credit for previous studies you have undertaken. Find out online.

Life in Adelaide

Your study experience

As a student at the University of South Australia you will have unique access to work placement opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events, internships, guest speakers and more.

Our campuses are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and areas that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform. We have health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and great student lounges. There are campus sport activities to keep you active, and if you are keen to explore the social side of university life, there are movies, cooking demonstrations, parties and lots more.

Adelaide has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation or private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages for plenty of options. If you need somewhere to live, our new student accommodation by urbanest is on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, a perfect location for students. It is within easy reach of UniSA’s city and metropolitan campuses, Rundle Mall shopping, the Central Market, Chinatown, and the West End’s vibrant nightlife. It is also across the road from the Adelaide train station, and on bus and tram routes.

Student services

International Student Services will make your life at university easier. We want you to be successful, and if you need help we will be there to assist.

We also offer study support from our Learning Advisers. You can work with them face-to-face or online. They are here to help you develop academically and professionally during your studies. They also offer help with the English language. When you become a UniSA student you can contact Campus Central for help with anything related to your degree. They will help you with your enrolment, ID cards, fees, timetables and any other questions you might have.

24/7 digital environment

Our learnonline facilities include a personal learning environment with virtual classrooms, lecture recordings, emails, learning support, administration, library access and results. The environment is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you can tailor your learning to your life. We are continually investing in innovative digital technologies for a high-quality student learning experience.

How to apply

How to apply for international students will give you helpful information about the application process at the University of South Australia. When you are ready, apply through our International Application System. If you would like to talk to someone near you about studying at the University of South Australia, we have agents all over the world who can assist you. Find an Education Agent in your country.

Ask UniSA

There are a number of ways to apply to study UniSA's undergraduate and postgraduate coursework degrees.

You can access our online International Application System through our How to Apply page. The International Application System is an easy and secure online application and acceptance process. You will have visibility of your application through the secure online portal with the ability to download offer documents, submit your acceptance and make a payment.

If you are completing an Australian year 12 qualification in Australia or overseas, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Australia, you must apply through SATAC http://www.satac.edu.au/.

If you are applying for the UniSA Study Abroad or Study Abroad Plus program, you can submit your application online here.

Postgraduate study by research For information on applying to do postgraduate study by research, including Masters by Research, PhDs or Doctorates, please visit http://unisa.edu.au/resdegrees.

There is no closing date for submitting your application however the admissions process takes between one and three weeks from the date that we receive your application and all required supporting documentation.

If you are completing an Australian year 12 qualification in Australia or overseas, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Australia, you must apply through SATAC. Key dates for applications can be found here.

You may be eligible to receive credit or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area at an equivalent or higher level. Receiving credit will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree.

The amount of credit you may be eligible to receive is assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Admissions team.

The best way to determine your eligibility to receive credit or advanced standing is to apply using our International Application System which can be found on our How to Apply page. You will need to supply detailed syllabus documents with your application.

UniSA welcomes the opportunity to speak with you regarding your study options. Our staff are able to talk to you about degree information, career outcomes and pathways, entry requirements, applications, and student life, so that you are able to make the best study decision for your future.

Click here to book a 1:1 appointment with one of our enquiries team.

We also have many events throughout the year in Australia and overseas where you can speak with UniSA representatives about your area of interest. View our calendar of events in your home country by selecting the 'International' filter.